Organizer Information
The Sansusī Art Residency Center "Susēja" is an experimental creative hub located in the historic and serene Sēlija region of Latvia. Originally founded in 2013 by a group of visionary artists to produce work for the renowned Sansusī Festival—an alternative chamber music festival—the center has since evolved into a year-round multidisciplinary platform. Operated by the Association Sansusī, the organization is dedicated to breaking down the barriers between "high art" and everyday life. They specialize in promoting contemporary chamber music, performance art, and interdisciplinary works in non-traditional settings. To date, the residency has hosted over 60 international artists, fostering a deep connection between the global arts scene and the local rural community, including collaborations with local schools and social care institutions.
Title & Description
Sansusī Art Residency Center "Susēja" 2026
This open call invites artists to apply for a specialized residency in the rural landscape of Susēja, Latvia, during the 2026 calendar year. The program is designed as a creative laboratory where the primary goal is research, experimentation, and the development of new projects. Unlike traditional outcome-heavy residencies, Sansusī prioritizes the process and peer exchange. Artists are encouraged to immerse themselves in the quietude of the Latvian countryside while having the unique opportunity to interact with the local community, including the Aknīste Psychoneurological Hospital and regional youth centers. The residency serves as a bridge for artists looking to test unconventional ideas in a supportive, communal environment.
Categories
The residency is strictly multidisciplinary and welcomes a broad spectrum of contemporary art forms, including:
- Performing Arts: Chamber Music, Contemporary Music, Opera, Theatre, and Dance.
- Circus Arts: Contemporary Circus (note: basic rigging/lighting available; specific technical gear must be discussed).
- Visual Arts: Installation, Sculpture, Photography, and Media Art.
- Literature & Research: Writing, Curatorial Research, and Interdisciplinary Experiments.
Eligibility
This call is open to Professional Artists and Emerging Talents from all over the world. There are no restrictions on nationality, age (above 18), or gender identity. Applications are accepted from:
- Individual Artists seeking solitary time for research.
- Artistic Groups (up to 6 people) looking to develop collaborative projects.
- Socially Engaged Practitioners who have a specific interest in working with marginalized groups or rural communities.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected participants will receive a comprehensive support package funded by the State Culture Capital Foundation (VKKF):
- Creative Stipend: A gross stipend of €15.00 per day for the duration of the stay.
- Accommodation: Living quarters at the residency center with access to a shared kitchen and communal areas.
- Workspace Access: Use of the 70 m² Activity Hall (equipped with a grand piano and projector) and the "Kupols" rehearsal space (available May–October).
- Support: Official letters of acceptance for those seeking additional external travel grants or mobility funding.
- Networking: Direct contact with the curators of the Sansusī Festival.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their materials in English or Latvian. Please provide:
- Bio/CV: A comprehensive document detailing your artistic education and professional history (for groups, please include CVs for all members).
- Project Proposal: A short description (max 1,500 words) of the work you intend to develop, why this specific location is beneficial, and how you might interact with the local community.
- Logistics: Preferred residency dates and duration (between 2 and 9 weeks).
- Portfolio: A PDF or link to a website/video showcasing at least 3–5 previous projects.
How to Apply?
All materials must be combined into a single PDF (if possible) and sent via email to: rezidences@sansusi.lv
Subject Line: Residency Application 2026 – [Your Name/Group Name]
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Notification Date: Rolling basis/Early 2026
- Residency Period: Flexible slots available between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
Location
Susēja, Aknīste parish, Jēkabpils district, Latvia
Additional Details
Artists should be prepared for a rustic, rural lifestyle. You are responsible for your own travel costs to Latvia, food, and personal project materials. Documentation of the residency (via photos or a diary) is required, and the stay must conclude with a public sharing of work—be it a talk, an open studio, or a work-in-progress performance.